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What is ecological succession?

Ecological succession is the changing sequence of communities that live in a ecosystem during a given time period.

What is the difference between primary ecological succession and secondary ecological succession?

Primary ecological succession is the changing sequence of communities from the first biological occupation of a place where previously there were no living beings. For example, the colonization and the following succession of communities in a bare rock.

Secondary ecological succession is the changing sequence of communities from the substitution of a community by a new one in a given place. For example, the ecological succession from the invasion of plants and animals in an abandoned crop or land.

What are pioneer species? What is the role of the pioneer species in the ecological succession?

Pioneer species are those first species that colonize places where previously there were no living beings, like, for example, algae that colonize bare rocks. In general, pioneers species are autotrophs or maintain harmonious ecological interaction with autotrophic beings (like autotrophic bacteria, herbaceous plants, lichens).

The pioneer community is formed of species able to survive under hostile environments. The presence of these species modify the microenvironment generating changes in abiotic and biotic factors of the ecosystem undergoing formation. Therefore they open way to other species to establish in the place by the creation of new potential ecological niches.